Rights and Accountability in Development (RAID)

This week, I attended a pivotal court hearing in Toronto with my colleague Michael Elliot that could shape corporate accountability in Canada. The case involves Barrick Gold, a Canadian mining giant headquartered in Toronto and listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, which is seeking to dismiss legal proceedings in Canada for alleged human rights violations at its North Mara Gold mine in Tanzania. Barrick argues the case should be heard in Tanzania, citing the doctrine of forum non conveniens. The lawyers for the Tanzanian plaintiffs contend that the chance of impoverished Tanzanians having a fair hearing in Tanzania against a well resourced Canadian company are far lower (if not impossible), due in part to the lack of legal aid, limited disclosure and the absence of robust public interest litigation. At Rights and Accountability in Development (RAID), we’ve published multiple reports raising serious concerns about human rights abuses involving Tanzanian police engaged by Barrick to provide security at the North Mara mine. This case is pivotal—not just for those affected by the abuses around the mine, but for how Canadian companies are held accountable for their operations overseas. We hope this case will significantly advance the law governing access to judicial remedy for communities affected by Canadian mining operations abroad, ensuring that victims have a clear path to justice. The outcome will build on precedents set by landmark cases such as NevSun, Tahoe, and HudBay, which have already signalled a shift in how Canadian courts address corporate responsibility for actions abroad. How the Ontario court applies these precedents remains to be seen, but this decision could play a crucial role in determining the direction of corporate accountability and human rights law in Canada. We will be watching it closely! #CorporateAccountability #HumanRights #AccessToJustice #Canada #GlobalJustice

Court of Appeal makes landmark ruling in favour of Nigerian communities whose environment has been devastated by oil pollution allegedly caused by oil giant Shell. Dan Leader and Matthew Renshaw represent https://lnkd.in/e-Gs5yCW

🆕✍ New blog | "The fossil fuel economy has left behind a legacy of devastation… If we want the green energy transition to be different, it must be anchored in respect for human rights and a commitment to fairness". In our latest blog, Anneke Van Woudenberg, executive director of Rights and Accountability in Development (RAID), discusses the harsh realities of critical raw material supply chains: https://lnkd.in/etdQuePb #CriticalRawMaterials #SupplyChains

** le français suit ** In 2020, businessman Dan Gertler, who is sanctioned by the US for corruption, and his associates launched a series of #SLAPP lawsuits against the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF), Global Witness, and Haaretz following the “Undermining Sanctions” report, based on whistleblowers Gradi Koko and Navy Malela. These two courageous bankers were sentenced to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo for their disclosures. This week, Gertler has withdrawn his last remaining complaint against Haaretz, a clear win for truth and press freedom. Meanwhile, France’s Cour de Cassation upheld the conviction of Eric Moutet, lawyer for Koko and Malela’s former employer, for defaming PPLAAF and the whistleblowers. SLAPPs are a dangerous tool used to intimidate critics, wasting time and resources. Gertler’s lawsuits were no exception, many withdrawn or lost before any real hearing. They aimed to discredit those revealing how Gertler allegedly bypassed US sanctions. Shockingly, there are now talks of lifting these sanctions, a deeply concerning move. Gradi Koko and Navy Malela remain in exile, still facing death sentences from a fraudulent trial. Their fight for justice continues. We must keep advocating for accountability and push for the DRC to revoke their death penalties. *** En 2020, l'homme d'affaires Dan Gertler, qui est sanctionné par les US pour corruption, et ses associés ont lancé une série de procédures baillon contre la Plateforme de Protection des Lanceurs d’Alerte en Afrique (PPLAAF), Global Witness et Haaretz à la suite du rapport « Des Sanctions, Mine de Rien », basé sur les révélations des lanceurs d’alerte Gradi Koko et Navy Malela. Ces deux courageux banquiers ont été condamnés à mort en République Démocratique du Congo pour leurs divulgations. Cette semaine, Gertler a retiré sa dernière plainte restante contre Haaretz, une victoire claire pour la vérité et la liberté de la presse. Parallèlement, la Cour de Cassation en France a confirmé la condamnation d’Éric Moutet, avocat de l'ancien employeur de Koko et Malela, pour avoir diffamé PPLAAF et les lanceurs d’alerte. Les SLAPPs sont des outils dangereux utilisés pour intimider les critiques, gaspillant temps et ressources. Les poursuites de Gertler n’ont pas fait exception, beaucoup ayant été abandonnées ou perdues avant même une véritable audience. Elles visaient à discréditer ceux qui révélaient comment Gertler aurait contourné les sanctions américaines. De façon choquante, des discussions sur la levée de ces sanctions contre Gertler ont maintenant lieu, ce qui est extrêmement préoccupant. Gradi Koko et Navy Malela restent en exil, toujours sous le coup de condamnations à mort issues d’un procès frauduleux. Leur combat pour la justice continue. Nous devons continuer à plaider pour la responsabilité et exiger que la RDC annule leurs condamnations à mort.

#Obituary : Dear partners,  It is with deep sadness that the African Resources Watch, AFREWATCH, informs you of the death of their Director of the Human Rights Programme, Mr ILUNGA MUKENA Richard, on the morning of Saturday 14 September 2024 in Lubumbashi following an illness. This sad event comes just three weeks after the loss of his colleague and Director of Advocacy, Maître TSHIZENA TSHINATE Céline, whose grief is still raw. AFREWATCH offers its sincere condolences to his family, both biological and professional. His sudden departure leaves a huge void in our organization. The Lord has given and the Lord has taken away. Let his name be glorified. The funeral programme will be announced at a later date. https://lnkd.in/eCyjsV3M